The sad fact is that around three babies a week still die from SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome)*. This number could be greatly reduced, and many lives could be saved if all parents were aware of safer sleep advice.
The theme for this year's Safer Sleep Week (11 - 15 March 2024) is “The Safest Place”.
Babies are vulnerable and their airway is particularly vulnerable in the first few months of their life. It is important for parents and carers to learn about this information so they can take the right actions to protect their babies.
The simplest and most evidenced-based way to protect babies while sleeping is to lay the baby on its back on a firm, flat surface with no padded or cushioned areas. This will enable them to keep their airway open and reduce the risk of suffocation and SIDS.
Many products on the market are not suitable for babies to sleep on even though they appear to be designed for sleep. Just because an item is expensive does not mean it is safe.
Care Group Health Visitor, Hannah Spiring, said: “By sharing about safer sleep information, we are aiming to empower parents to make the right choices, so they are armed with the knowledge and information they need.
“We want to give parents confidence that what they are doing for their baby is the safest choice for sleep. Visit our social media regularly where we will also share information about making choices in vulnerable or emergency situations when they don’t have a cot or a Moses basket.”
For more information about safer sleep advice, visit the Lullaby Trust website.
* Lullaby Trust, 2024
